No more bells sounded when Charis and the elder were satisfied, the night deep and dark, perfect for determining and solving mysteries.

“We have read the Seers were heralds of past Crusades. A Foretold declared and they spread the word. The Foretold then travelled from town to town and to the City and rallied warriors and peasants for the Crusade,” stated the elder.

“A Mother Superior told me the Seers of Saph were still able to contact their Goddess and the Lady in White merely identified me as a Foretold. She suggested Priests of other Gods couldn’t. Was I born a Foretold? My letter and armour from my father for example and then there are my ears and my earth brown hair.”

“Yes, I admire the jewellery, they hint at a more human shape although we both accept you are at least half elven don’t we dear. The Goddess Mara is the Mother, Goddess of Fertility, and the Land. She is also the Goddess of the Elves and Faerie although not many remember now, I know since my family has recorded it. The items contain Elven magic ...”

“Although not by design,” Charis added quickly. “It seems the magic has been stolen someway or somehow, my elven visitor’s sorrow plain when he examined them.”

“Yes dear, the point is though, you are half elven, and you demonstrate an unusual affinity with the items which, by design or by malice contain Elven magic. The Goddess Mara is the Mother of Fertility and Elves and the Goddess Saph can still communicate to her Seers. Who was your Mother?”

“I have few memories of my mother. My father told me she loved me dearly,” Charis said, her throat thickening unbidden. “My father isn’t my father. My birth father wore leather armour I’ve never seen before or since and was attacked by a large beast, which required the care of my mother.”

“So your mother provided the required care, fell in love and you as a child resulted? Your mother was definitely human therefore your father must be elven kind, suggested by the slim armour and your ears. Were you ever told if your Mother was a Single Seer perhaps?” finished the elder, relentless and determined regardless of Charis’ emotions.

“Never told, although the Seers, especially Alcmene and Clymene are determined to train me to become one.” Charis tried to smile at her own attempted humour, instead wiped a tear from her eye as the elder replayed her past.

“Are they having any success?” asked the elder, in a deadpan voice.

Charis sobered from her melancholy upon hearing the elder’s question and appreciating her smiling weather beaten, deeply lined face and plain speak. She recalled all they discussed rudely ignoring the elder, sinking into her own deliberations and sorting through the facts.

---

The coin dropped for Charis then. Uniquely twins could become Seers, a law unquestioned and unbroken. For her not to be a twin and developing Seer abilities meant she was going against that law. If her mother was a Seer and birthed twins and she alone survived, it would make sense, although there was never any mention of her having a twin. The other possibility, her mother was a Seer and with the Goddess Saph’s blessing, her Seer legacy passed to her only child.

“Yes. Do you believe it possible my mother could have passed her Seer legacy to me?” questioned Charis.

“I was going to ask if you were one half of a twin,” mused the elder, “although given Saph and Mara are so deeply woven into this particular Foretold rising ...” The elder tapped her finger on her chin.

“One Goddess of Seers, the other Goddess of Fertility I would trust, if I was you, you can become a Seer, and in fact I imagine it is part of their design. I wonder if Judge realises his Foretold Quest is now in the embrace of two Goddesses.”

Charis lowered her head in quiet introspect, digesting the insight the elder provided and conclusion she made. Seeing Charis distracted the elder prepared and served another tea for both of them. When Charis uttered her next words she did so to change the subject to avoid accepting she could be nothing more than a puppet of two Goddesses and her future not her own.

“Another thought elder, we found a number of items on the false High Priest and the false Judge Knights, those with a specific purpose they could call upon, others they couldn’t, there singular purpose being to conceal their evil nature. This would allow them to travel easily within the Duchy, their original purpose perhaps.”

“If so, how many are living amongst us?”

With the elder’s last words, Charis yawned and dragged her body away in search of sleep, her brain unable to comprehend the threat in the elders’ question. A long day, with emotional ups and downs, she could no longer stay awake and dreamed to sleep the morning in. The elder wasn’t offended in anyway, their last conversation a summary of what they read and discussed, although the idea Charis being a Seer was by design quelled Charis' enthusiasm for further discussion.

---

“You can show yourself now,” encouraged the elder. She waited a few heartbeats.

“You aren’t in trouble, come out child.”

A skinny body with an unruly head of black hair peered around the doorframe of the elder’s room. She straitened and slowly stepped towards the elder, her eyes staring down at her dragging feet. She knew how to hide in the open, small and unnoticed; she definitely knew how to hide in a house full of sleeping people, especially adults. With the upmost care and skill, Jocasta could muster, the elder still called her out. She briefly wondered how and quickly returned to the present prepared to accept any punishment due to her, the way of the world she knew.

“If you knew I was there, why didn’t you tell Mistress?” whispered Jocasta, a slight tremor in her voice.

“I am not sure, perhaps Charis requires a Keeper of Secrets, and sometimes that person needs to be unknown to everyone. To be this Keeper you need to be fiercely loyal to Mistress Charis, even if it costs your life, can you make such a sacrifice?”

“Yes elder, Mistress Charis is easy to follow and easy to love.” Jocasta answered without hesitation, conviction returning to her.

+++

Next morning the sisters were out of bed and broke their fast by visiting a number of different Inns across town. Charis called in to the Inn of the Knight’s Rest and explain the situation to the Innkeeper who profusely apologised. He heard of the Seer’s death on the town rumour mill, the latest rumour being, she killed herself driven insane due to her sister’s love of Charis! A Seer poisoned by food supplied by his Inn placed him into a state of shock, although determined to keep it secret.

By the time, Charis returned to the House, Astera was already coaching a story for any who asked. The simplest being the best. The Seer announced her arrival, while waiting for Charis and being hungry, requested a bowl of food, which Jocasta not wishing to refuse a Seer, obliged. She then started serving other sisters and when the Seer started to writhe in pain, those served stopped eating. Her death was quick, too quick to call a Healer of Ure. Her sister visited with Temple Guards and took her body away.

Charis encouraged the training to continue although some may need to proceed with an easier routine to ensure they could fully recover. It was shortly after; the Magistrate of Judge visited and asked to meet her. She was nervous, the death of the Seer and meeting the Magistrate out of full armour and cloak. She needed every artificial and superficial extra to act an equal around him.

Charis introduced him to the Meeting Room and hoped the visit was a search for the facts about the Seer’s death and nothing more.

“Greeting, Charis the White?” The Magistrate raised an eyebrow.

“From my encounter with some walking dead,” Charis offered in reply.

“Tell me more,” he replied, subtly leaning forward, his response becoming an order.

Charis hesitated and then prattled out a response, “I became blinded and then prayed to Judge. Upon my sight returning by either miracle or time my skin lost all colour. I can hide the loss when in full armour and hooded cloak, not so in underclothe.”

“I have seen you openly regardless of your armour and cloak I didn’t discern anything amiss.”

“Otonia is skilled with powders and creams. Now I accept the change so others must or not as is their choice.”

“You feel or sense no difference since?”

“I am no different from before the change and now my silver ear tips match my complexion don’t you think?” Charis swept her hair back to reveal her silver ear tips trying to divert the conversation.

The Magistrate rocked back on his heels and assessed the visage of his acquaintance before him.

“I remember our first meeting Charis the Young and you have travelled far since then. I appreciate your resilience and acceptance. For the record, as Judge is my witness, yes I agree your silver ear tips do match your new complexion.”

“When did a Magistrate of Judge become an expert on woman’s jewellery?” Charis asked, ending her question with a wide smile.

“When the Magistrate of Judge knows they were a final gift from your father and regardless of anything else you would still wear them,” the Magistrate replied.

Charis bowed her head slightly to acknowledge the truth he spoke.

“I need to return to the reason for my visit,” catching her eyes in his own, “can you report what happened last night to the Seer? The Temple of Saph has requested I investigate.”

Charis repeated the story Astera fashioned.

“So the food was received from the Inn from the usual servant, at the usual time and nothing seemed amiss,” stated the Magistrate.

“Yes, Jocasta receives it and sets the food out in the Training Room. There is a small fire pit there. The Master Leatherworker worked it in plying her trade, for us the fire pit keeps the food warm.”

“That is all I need thank you I will continue my investigation at the Inn.”

“You don’t need to interview anyone else?” Charis asked, eyes wide, too late to conceal her surprise.

“Would they say anything different? I presume not. I suspect you and your company owe a lifesaving debt to the Seer Sister.”

“We honoured and appreciated her sacrifice. I expressed my gratitude to Rhea last night when she and the Temple Guards visited for her sister’s body. Part of the consoling was how her sister’s death saved many more from the same fate. It seemed to help.”

“Do you wish to escort me when I visit the Innkeeper, I suspect he is a kind-hearted friend of yours and he maybe more forthcoming if you are there?”

Charis thought for a moment, realising quickly she couldn’t refuse.

“Certainly, lead the way,” Charis responded.

Once the Magistrate passed through the elder’s door Astera made a small excuse to delay her Mistress and swiftly produced a cloak and pin, which she wrapped around Charis promptly and smoothly. Charis caressed Astera’s cheek and quickly wrapped the cloak about her body.

The Magistrate and Charis striding across the street to the Inn caused a slight calamity; others on the street stopped to allow them pass or cleared a way. Entering the Inn, many of the customers finished drinks or food and remembered they needed to scurry away to attend to an errand or make a meeting elsewhere, rapidly clearing the establishment. The Innkeeper then witnessed the source of his clientele’s behaviour, the Magistrate of Judge striding towards him. A glimmer of hope grew in his eyes when he saw Charis.

“We need to interview the persons who prepared or delivered the pot of stew to the Daughters of the Duchess last evening please Inn Keep.” A request, clearly understood as an order. Charis observed the Magistrate’s towering and leaning, then noted her friend the Innkeeper’s reaction.

“The evening staff, they don’t start until middle of the afternoon. I am not sure where they live if you wanted to see them earlier,” he replied nervously, his hands fidgeting with his apron.

“What if they don’t show, what then?”

“Usually one of the early staff will stay or my good wife will step in to save the day. We don’t go asking them and if they don’t show up for three days straight I assume they have found other employment or aren’t coming back, although the cooks have been with me now for more than three years, the serving girls are more fickle. Does what I said help?”

“Well it seems we will return later in the day. I apologise for chasing your trade away.” At which point he handed the Innkeeper some coin. “I will approach from the Kitchen entrance this afternoon to avoid a repeat. Thank you for your cooperation Innkeeper.”

The Magistrate then spun about face and left the Inn, with Charis beside him.

“He is not the one. It must’ve been whoever doesn’t show this evening. Do you mind if I knock on your door and we visit the Inn together later in the day?”

“Certainly, I will make sure any duties I have will keep me within my House.”

The Magistrate then nodded, waved at Charis, and departed in the direction of the Gate. Initially surprised Charis realised he was checking to determine if anyone left in haste this morning, especially early morning.

The elder’s door opened before her. She didn’t notice the elder and headed for the circular stairs. Before she could place her first boot upon them, Astera approached her and asked her into the Meeting Room. As she entered, the four saved initiates stood to greet her.

“Mistress we survived thanks to your actions and we wish to proffer our thanks and assure you we appreciate we owe you our lives. Some possibly overstepped our appreciation and some may have been confused. Nevertheless we need to assure you of our utter loyalty.” Agape then dropped to one knee, head bowed before Charis.

Each in turn did the same. Charis stunned, finally recovering to acknowledge them, and asking them to stand. They hugged Charis as they left the room and whispered in her ear, “My life is yours.”

Niobe lingered in the room, her fingers dancing across the table.

“Mistress, I wonder what your plan is for me. I am a hopeless Single Seer. I can read, write, ride a horse, and creep about the place, and I am learning some weapon skills apparently for my own survival. I am wondering is there more?” asked Niobe.

“Approach Alcmene and Clymene and consider anything they suggest. I mean anything, if you truly accept you owe me your life.”

“What if, what they show me or suggest is repugnant to me?”

“Then it will be a true test of your devotion to me, although I promise the possible reward is worth you embracing what they offer. Still, be honest with yourself and them and if you wish to, you can renounce your oath to me and find your own way.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Niobe reached the doorway, glancing over her shoulder and reassured Charis’ eyes lingered on her, decided to speak.

“Last night I was overcome with relief, I hope you don’t think poorly of me or judge me low due to my inappropriate advances.”

“All is well Initiate Niobe, now to your duties.”

---

Charis stayed too long in the Meeting Room as she considered her next priority, Ismene re-entered the room and closed the door behind her, her naked body leaning against it. Oddly, she scanned the small room and satisfied they were alone, spoke.

“Mistress I wish to ask if I am permitted to wear clothes now as the Lord Count has been paid in full.”

“I’m sorry Ismene, of course you can, the recent event has distracted me, and I sincerely apologise for breaking our agreement.”

“I also need to tell you I’ve been very naughty. I think I need spanking,” she simpered seductively, or what she thought was seductively. Charis needed to close her mouth, her first thought, the healing magic corrupted in some way. Ismene upset last night, now requesting punishment, seductively and submissively yearning for chastisement.

Charis enjoyed paddling the haughty noble woman when she first asked to join. The harshness deliberate, somehow punishing the noble bent over the table at that time, for all the nobles she wished to punish. Halius’ mother for her schemes, the Lord of the Northern Watch’s accusations, which led to death and finally the Duke and Duchess who welcomed her and allowed many to live in squalor, when they existed surrounded by excess.

When this noble woman returned to accept more punishment, Charis inwardly wished to hurt her, make her run back to her kind, her opulent dress between her legs. Charis stopped the paddling when she woke to the fact she was punishing an innocent. Ismene didn’t run, she accepted more humiliation, her alone naked amongst them. The noble woman brought low, now common.

“Mistress?” Ismene wrapped her arms around her breasts, biting her bottom lip. Did she overstep? The Mistress’ silence, what did it mean?

Charis decided, mentally resigning. As Mistress, she needed to care for her warrior sisters and needed to accept Ismene could enjoy her punishment. Similar perhaps to Niobe and her acceptance or denial, which could return her divine Seer gift if she took the leap.

“Ismene, you don’t need to pretend, if you wished to be pleasured in a certain way then ask.”

Ismene dropped her hands from her breasts and strode towards her Mistress, a façade of confidence, her nobility carrying her overriding the tumbling, fluttering butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

“Then spank me Mistress and then ravish me, I’ve never been taken by a woman or a man and I would be overjoyed if you were my first.” She peered timidly over her shoulder as she bent her naked body over a familiar desk. The desk itself a heady trigger that signalled her anticipation of what might happen. She shivered as the Mistress removed her dagger sheath and approached her bare buttocks. She dreamed, she didn’t think they would be together. Ismene counted down her heartbeats as they rapidly increased.

Known to Ismene alone, the former Noble Woman relished and appreciated the dominance provided by Charis. Ismene could change in this encounter from someone who always needed to maintain a noble dignity, in charge, dressed correctly, and displaying the correct manners and etiquette in the company of her peers and lessor folk. She could be nothing, dominated, and pleasured, everything else forgotten. In this House as a member of this Company, her responsibilities as a noble and to others gone, she could find the time to indulge, immune to the consequences. Could her new existence be that simple? Then she moaned as her Mistress attended to her punishment.

---

As Charis gently held her shoulders to lift her from the table, Ismene glanced at her glowing bottom, eyelids half closed in delirium. Fumbling, eventually finding the pin and tie binding Charis’ cloak she peered into her Mistress’ eyes. Bravely Ismene released both, overjoyed her Mistress allowed her. The cloak to fell silently, the first layer unwrapped. Ismene hurriedly grabbed for Charis’ breasts as if they would escape or Charis would leave, Ismene desperately needed to hold them at least once. Finally pleased she could grope her Mistress’ firm nipples through her underclothe, although impatient for more, to massage her bare flesh perhaps. Could she, would she?

When Charis’ grasped her wrists Ismene startled, did she do wrong, too eager? Charis guided Ismene’s hands to the bottom edge of Charis’ underclothe a finger width above Charis’ knees and suggested she grip. Smoothly working together Charis’ milk white body gradually revealed as her underclothe rolled up. Charis steadied Ismene’s hands, controlled the pace, and quelled her fervour. Finally Charis’ underclothe came away, briefly catching her shoulder length hair messing it wildly and seductively partially concealing her face.

Ismene stood agog, appreciating Charis’ feminine form, taking in every athletic line and every lithe muscle, still holding Charis’ underclothe the warmth within a comfort Ismene refused to cast away. Charis cleared her hair from her face causing her body to arch slightly and her breasts to pout. She then drew Ismene to her to interrupt her intimate trance, Charis’ hands searching and caressing Ismene’s glowing buttocks, while they kissed. Under Charis’ searching hands, her healing warmth spread over Ismene’s punished rump and Charis could savour Ismene’s lips while they kissed, delighting in Ismene’s surprise and further arousal.

A warmth with an urge blossomed within Ismene’s loins, all caution left her as she grappled with her Mistress, desire consuming her, the table, the chair, the walls everything else insignificant.

---

Ismene awoke as if from a dream, satisfied and lost, needing to scan the room to confirm where she now lay. Charis stood away from her, straightening out her underclothe and reaching for her cloak and pin.

“Mistress, thank you.” Ismene’s face warmed, a pink flush surfaced as the warmth travelled down her neck spreading to her chest. The embarrassment of her next words revealed in her fair skin.

“I am sorry for being so … vocal. Everyone will know everyone will know you pleasured me, the haughty noble brought to heel. I will control myself and be more dignified, if, Mistress, if there is a next time.” Ismene balled her hands and covered her face with them realising her embarrassment.

Charis’ touch on her wrists electrified Ismene; her eyes searched for Charis’, blue eyes met blue eyes, their faces near. Charis’ steady breathing in contrast to Ismene’s panting.

“You are an Initiate of the Daughters of the Duchess, the moment you swore your oath to me your life started anew. As long as you are loyal and your actions don’t harm your fellow sisters you are free to live and enjoy your life.”

While Charis held her wrists, Ismene reached out and placed a hand on each side of Charis’ face.

“Thank you Mistress, you had my loyalty when I swore my oath, you had my life when you saved it last night and you now have my passionate love.”

“I am not easy to love.”

“Mistress, that is not true.”

“I neglect those who love me Ismene, yesterday I needed to bear the guilt, and blame myself for the actions of Rhea and her search for love elsewhere,” Charis said, her words thick with struggle.

Ismene passionately kissed her Mistress.

“I didn’t understand before, I do now. For over a week, I’ve been in your House and I’ve observed. Everyone accepts we must share you between us, the special ones, the Daughters of the Duchess as you shield us against the world with your love and your concern. When sisters can’t find you they find other sisters and when they are enjoying their lovemaking they are celebrating the love you shared with them.”

Ismene wiped a tear from Charis’ cheek.

“I may or may not make love to another sister. I assure you if I do I will carry your joyful heart within me as will my lover or lovers and we will celebrate the love you have shown us.”

Ismene kissed the tears away from Charis’ cheek, tasting a sweet salt as a reward.

Charis embraced Ismene, many heartbeats passing before she released her, the redness around her eyes subsiding, her white skin always betrayed her now.

“Clothe yourself Initiate, much to do.”

Charis stood and swiftly left the Meeting Room to climb the circular stairs and find the sanctuary of her room. She needed sleep, her emotions fuddled and she needed to be her best when the Magistrate called.

Ismene wrapped her arms around herself in celebration and delight, fulfilled and content with her purpose for the first time in her life. Her next appointment, her bunk, and finally clothe herself, she would be equal to all. More importantly she would now be able to leave the House as the House Provedore and carry out the duties required.

---

A knock on her door woke her, Charis falling asleep quickly and now woken abruptly, she couldn’t determine the time of day. Although she suspected it was that time! As she bolted upright, there was another furious knock. She sprinted to the door naked and opened it.

“The Magistrate is waiting on the other side of the elder’s door. Mistress, we couldn’t open it and the elder is impossible to find. We are hoping you can and we hope the Magistrate isn’t insulted by not being invited in,” Helice’s voice wavered.

Charis wrapped a loincloth around her intimate parts and drew on her underclothe. Helice was quick to assist with the felt. She didn’t realise the Mistress intended to dress in full armour. Clymene and Alcmene were promptly there to assist and they gathered Dione along the way. Charis stood arms outstretched as her warrior sisters quickly dressed her with one front and one back and others on either side. Charis placed her cloak around her shoulders with a swish, employed the Daughters pin to clasp it, satisfied, and fortified.

“Thank you warrior sisters,” said Charis, relieved, since meeting the Magistrate in full regalia was always the preferred look. While not his equal in authority, outfitted as a Daughter of the Duchess Charis gained a confidence to withstand his presence.

“We are honoured to serve, Mistress,” Dione said.

“It would be my honour to escort you Mistress,” offered Helice.

“Thank you sister, but you aren’t in your armour and I don’t expect attack in the company of the Magistrate, while in an Inn across the way.”

“It is not my life I intend to protect Mistress.”

Charis hugged her and whispered “Thank you, I best find out if I can exit the House and greet the Magistrate.” Then she hurried to meet the Magistrate.

The House door opened, she greeted the Magistrate and apologised for the delay. He dismissed her concern; the wait allowed him to observe the Inn, the afternoon staff and customers.

“I observe at least one serving maid who was there in the morning. It seems the Inn Keeper is missing at least one from his afternoon staff. Let us make sure, shall we?”

“Lead on Apelles.”

He glanced back at her when she uttered his familiar name, trying to be commanding, but a small upturn at the corners of his mouth betrayed his mirth.

They strolled down the street a way to avoid alarming anyone and then step changed down a back alley picking up their pace in case they were followed until they eyed off the back of the Inn and the kitchen door. They noticed it wide open, both able to enter the kitchen easily, and it wasn’t until the cook returned and questioned them they were challenged.

“Girl go get the Innkeeper we have visitors!” yelled the cook.

“Welcome Magistrate, please can I offer a chair, some food, or drink?” she said nervously.

“No, Charis the Young and I will await the Innkeeper, please continue to tend your trade,” replied the Magistrate.

Charis placed a hand on her hip and grinned at his name-dropping. They observed the kitchen staff at toil. The cook prepared a large pot over the stove and tended bread in a nearby oven. A young girl fetched, cleaned, and carried as required. A couple of serving girls approached the kitchen and one paused at the doorway upon seeing them, smartly returning to the Inn proper, the other fetched a meal before leaving.

“That one is always looking to loiter in the Kitchen. I probably need you to stand here always Magistrate so she does her proper toil in the main room,” gently snickered the cook.

“Was she here last night?” asked the Magistrate.

“Yes for what she was worth!”

The Innkeeper trudged in, his hands in his apron, although calm this time.

“Welcome Magistrate. Do you see anything that will help?” he asked.

“I need to interview a certain serving maid. The cook will identify which one. I also need you to confirm one serving girl is missing from the afternoon shift that was here last night.”

“Why yes, one serving girl is missing. I will go and fetch the cook’s favourite!” he said and then chuckled. The cook snorted in disgust.

The cook hefted a large full pot of beef stew from the stove and placed it on the table nearby. She then ducked out of the kitchen to retrieve another large pot and proceeded to prepare another stew visiting the larder for ingredients. The kitchen now empty of staff and the back door open. The serving girl then appeared with the Innkeeper yelling at her.

“Where you in the kitchen last night near dusk girl?” asked the Magistrate. He rose to his greatest height and overshadowed her. She tensed, forgetting the Innkeeper and panicking at the sight of the Magistrate before her.

“Speak girl!” growled the Magistrate.

“I was Sir, but I didn’t do anything I swear. I was looking to help the cook like I usually do, it may have been at dusk,” she squeaked in a high-pitched voice.

“What did you see?”

“Well the large pot was lifted out, I thought to clean it, like the cook usually does and it came back, but I wasn’t watching, I was busy in the larder.”

“Girl, I can flick lies off the tongues of criminals let alone a serving girl, so speak before I begin to take my hand to you!”

She peered up at him and Charis thought the serving girl near to losing her water. Charis couldn’t blame the girl; he could intimidate most with his presence. It was the same when she first met him and it was why she insisted on wearing her armour, cloak and pin while with him.

“It was a girl. She was strong, with pale skin. I didn’t get to see her face. The hood of the cloak she was wearing covered it. Sir, Magistrate Sir.” she replied nervously.

“Describe the cloak girl?” he asked softly.

Visibly more relaxed, she calmed before she replied.

“It was finely made, expensive as it flowed around her, there was embroidery around it edges, I can’t describe it, but I would recognise it again if shown.” She curtsied and cautiously raised her eyes.

“Do you know where the missing serving girl lives?” he asked her.

“How would I know…” she trail off, “I could show you if the Innkeeper releases me from my duties.”

“Be off with you girl, I am sure the Magistrate will ensure your safe return,” said the Innkeeper.

The Magistrate, Charis, and the Serving Girl left the Inn passing through the Old Gate and along Gate Road towards the New Gate. She paused for a moment and then indicated the way. They ended up in front of a small cottage, set back from the road. It was one of seven all joined in a row.

“Charis, you mind circling to the back in case anyone decides they need to be elsewhere.”

“Certainly, grant me a few heartbeats to find a position. I will make a bird call.”

“I will listen intently for your call,” he said and then grinned.

At the call, the Magistrate knocked on the door. After some moments, an older man, perhaps the serving girl’s father, opened the door? Unruly black hair dominated his appearance, a large nose challenging for prominence.

“What you want!” he growled and then it registered who was at his door and he startled, taking a step back forgetting to close the door.

“I need to interview the girl who lives here. She works at the Knight’s Rest Inn, usually, but not tonight.”

“She, argh, isn’t here at the moment. I don’t know where she goes or what becomes of her. I just collect some coin for the bed and the roof I provide.”

“You aren’t a relative or a friend to her then?”

“No, I um let people stay for some coin, what they do or don’t do is their business as long as they pay me regular coin.”

A protesting mumbling and scuffling approached the Magistrate. Charis held the girl by twisting her arm behind her back.

“Let me go bitch!” Charis ignored her and kept pushing her forward.

“Behave girl!” commanded the Magistrate.

She stared at him and blanched. Charis wished she could do that!

“Why aren’t you working tonight girl?”

“I am sorry, I didn’t know the Innkeeper was your friend, I will go right now. Sorry, I won’t take a shift off again.”

“Why girl?” he demanded.

“I am always at the Inn when others have fun and I was invited to a party and really wanted to go, so I needed to miss this shift, but I will make ready now, I am sorry.”

“Do what you need to do. I am not here at the request of the Innkeeper.”

With that the Magistrate wandered off. When the other serving girl dallied with her, the Magistrate called her to follow. Resembling a surprised rabbit, she ran after him.

“I’ve done enough haven’t I?” she asked.

“No, I need to protect you now in case the person who committed the crime would want you dead.”

The serving girl paused, swallowing back her rising bile and when the Magistrate stared back, she caught up to him and Charis. As the three of them approached the House, Charis bid them farewell, the Magistrate, and the serving girl continuing towards Temple Street.

Charis caught a shadow flicker in the direction of the Magistrate, the street lamps recently lit taking over from the last light as dusk settled in, and she needed to blink, as her eyes didn’t do well at dusk. As she peered along the most probable path of anyone trailing the Magistrate, she spied a movement within the shadows again and decided to follow the Magistrate and his charge. She utilised the same shadows as the assailant following the Magistrate overjoyed to be hunting again.